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Passage

When individuals seek to establish a new identity, they go through a process of exiting their previous role and transitioning into a new one. This transition is challenging because society already has expectations and preconceived notions about the individual based on their previous role. Researchers conducted interviews with various individuals who have undergone role exiting, ranging from former nuns to ex-convicts, and identified several issues that arise during the process of creating new roles.

One of the primary issues individuals encounter is the presentation of self. They use both external and internal cues to publicly demonstrate that they wish to be treated differently from their past selves. For instance, transgender individuals, who identify with a gender opposite to their biological sex, may change their clothing and behaviors to align with societal expectations associated with their desired gender. It is the responsibility of others in society to recognize and acknowledge the individual's new identity based on the cues and mannerisms they adopt.

Social reactions from others also pose a significant challenge for individuals exiting an old role and assuming a new one. Throughout the exiting process, individuals are influenced by the reactions they receive from society, which are often based on their previous role. Role exits can be either socially desirable or socially undesirable, depending on the specific circumstances. People tend to maintain positive or negative expectations about the old role, which can shape an individual's behavior during the transition. If society continues to treat a student as a delinquent, for example, the student is more likely to fulfill that role and engage in misconduct. The presentation of self and the social reactions to the previous role together determine the difficulty of adapting to the new role for the individual.

Changing friendship networks is another significant challenge faced by individuals transitioning identities. People who shift roles often distance themselves from their old peers to be surrounded by individuals who will support and facilitate their new role. For instance, individuals who were once married may seek the company of other divorced or single individuals after becoming "ex-spouses," as their interactions with married couples may feel different and uncomfortable. Additionally, individuals form bonds with others during their previous role, and managing relationships with people who are still part of their old role while establishing connections in their new role can be complex.

Lastly, individuals experience role residuals, also referred to as "hangover identity." This concept refers to the aspects that persist from their previous role even after completing the exiting process and assuming a new identity. Generally, the more deeply involved an individual was in their former role, the higher the likelihood of having a greater role residual compared to someone who had a less intense commitment to their previous role.